Data set: Utilization Status of Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing Devices for COVID-19 in Japan: An online survey of the Nara Association of Medical Technologists

This study aimed to elucidate the introduction and operational status of nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) instruments that rapidly proliferated during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was conducted among clinical laboratory technologists throughout Japan. Respondents were categorized into two groups: those who had already implemented NAAT before the pandemic and those who introduced NAAT in response to it. Usage status, non-usage rates, and potential applications beyond SARS-CoV-2 detection were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the group with pre-existing NAAT experienced a marked increase in instrument holdings during the pandemic, transitioning from single to multiple devices, while the newly introduced group also demonstrated high utilization rates for SARS-CoV-2 testing. However, the presence of unused instruments in 2024 suggested that introducing these devices did not always lead to broader testing applications. These findings highlight the importance of multifaceted use and proper management of NAAT instruments, as well as the significance of evaluating both the impact and limitations of pandemic-related policy support.